Delicious bourbon! Barrel-aged whiskey! All spirits are from local NY grains, bottled, labeled, hand-numbered and aged right here in Rochester. Black Button Distilling is Rochester's first legal craft distillery since Prohibition.
They have a tasting bar that is open to the public serving cocktails and offering the opportunity to shop for bottles, apparel and merchandise. The distillery is available for private parties and group visits which makes for a unique setting to entertain friends, family and coworkers. Previously located in the Market District, then moved to Culver University East section of the city in 2023. Black Button produces various vodkas, gins, whiskeys and moonshines from New York grains.
Black Button drinks may also be found at various bars, restaurants, and liquor stores in the City of Rochester and the surrounding area. See the website for a complete list. Black Button opened December 21, 2013. They opened a second cocktail room/bottle shop in downtown Buffalo in the spring of 2017.
In July 2025 they closed for financial reasons and only stayed distributed existing stock. In September 2025, an investor came in as a new partner and they will be starting production again and retain existing staff. The tasting room on University Avenue will remain closed for now.
Awards Voted "Best Regional Distillery" in City Newspaper's 'Best of Rochester' Awards in 2015.1 Links Regulation Changes Birth Distillery Renaissance - Democrat and Chronicle (2013-09-2) A Young Entrepreneur with a Passion for Distilling - Arkets Media (2013-10-11) The New Face in Town: Black Button Distilling - Just One Dram (2013-10-19) Black Button Distilling: sneak peak inside this crafty production - The Rochesteriat (2013-12-13)